Donald Trump To NFL Players: "A Football Game Is No Place To Protest"

The NFL’s first full slate of preseason games kicked off last night and there were plenty of eyes on the sidelines as the national anthem played in stadiums across the country.

Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson took a knee during the anthem, while teammate Robert Quinn raised his right fist. Others, like Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback Devante Bausby also raised fists ahead of their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Of course, President Trump was ready to fire off some of his thoughts as soon as those knees hit the turf. In a series of tweets, Trump advised the players to “be happy, be cool” and once again suggested that those who do not stand for the anthem should be suspended without pay.

The NFL also commented on the demonstration shown by Dolphins players, reiterating that no player can be disciplined for violating any national anthem policy while they continue their discussions with the NFLPA.

The league had previously announced that players would be subject to fines or suspension for not standing during the anthem, but have since backtracked and are now working on a solution.